City Council Recap | August 21, 2024

The City Council met on August 21, 2024, for committee meetings and a regular meeting.

Below are the highlights of Council discussion and action items.

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Urban & Economic Development Committee Meeting | 10:30am

Discussion of Zoning Code Amendment for River Design Overlay (RDO)

Councilors discussed initiating a proposed zoning code amendment for the River Design Overlay (RDO) for parcels of 20 acres or more.

The RDO was adopted in 2016 and applied to certain properties within the river corridor. Since 2016, it has been identified that some of the specific design regulations may not work when literally applied to larger properties. The proposal would exempt properties 20 acres or more from the standards in the RDO if the development is in a Master Plan Development (MPD) and meets the purpose and intent of the River Design Overlay.

The Council is scheduled to vote on whether to initiate the proposed amendment on August 28. If approved, the Planning Office will begin the process to bring the amendments to the Planning Commission and then to City Council for future consideration.

Read the proposal here

View the discussion here

Discussion Regarding Hotel Tax Ordinance

Councilors discussed more details on the revision to the Hotel Tax Ordinance. This discussion clarified what would be taxed and covered the inclusion of a provision that would exempt 100% disabled veterans from paying the tax while staying in the City of Tulsa.

The Council voted to approve the item with the amended language regarding the exemption for veterans at the 5pm regular meeting.

View the discussion here

View the proposal here

Discussion with INCOG Regarding Zink Lake Water Quality & Safety

Representatives from the City and INCOG held a discussion with Councilors regarding the water quality and safety of Zink Lake and the Arkansas River ahead of the grand opening of Zink Lake.

Councilors had the opportunity to ask more questions and receive more information on the lake in terms of what visitors can expect upon its opening. The lake is scheduled to open Labor Day Weekend.

Currently, Zink Lake is closed, and public access is prohibited. No-entry signs are posted at various locations along the east and west banks of the river.

View the discussion here

View the City's Water Quality Dashboard here

View the full Zink Lake ordinance here

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Public Works Committee Meeting | 2:30pm

Discussion Regarding Proposed Resolution to Adopt FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS)

Councilors discussed a proposed resolution to adopt the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) for parts of Tulsa County lying within the City of Tulsa's city limits. The adoption of this resolution is required by federal law after FEMA's flood insurance study in 2023 was finalized in March 2024.

The flood insurance study addressed two new areas added to the map and the revision of six others. This study only addressed FEMA flood plains and does not include the Tulsa Regulatory Flood Plain.

The Council voted to approve the resolution at the 5pm regular meeting.

View the discussion here

View the maps here

View the vote here

Discussion with Water & Sewer Department

Councilors heard a presentation from representatives from the Water & Sewer Department on current activities and projects.

The update included information from each division:

• Water Supply

• Water Distribution

• Sewer Collections

• Wastewater Treatment

• Water Testing and Laboratories

• Planning & Asset Management

• Design Engineering

• GIS and IT/OT Systems

View the presentation here

View the discussion here

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Tulsa City Council Meeting | 5:00pm

Public Hearing - Proposed Closure of Public Way

A public hearing was held regarding the proposed closure of a public way located at 800 S. Tucker Dr. that was requested by University of Tulsa.

There were no public speakers. The Council is scheduled to vote on this item at the 5pm regular meeting on August 28.

View the Committee discussion here

Budget Amendment Vote - 36N Comanche Infrastructure

The City Council voted to approve a budget amendment for 36N Comanche Streets and Sewers.

The amendment will allocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward infrastructure needs to support the 36N Envision Comanche project located at 36th St. North and Peoria Ave.

The 553-unit complex will be a mixed-income, mixed-use community to address affordable housing needs and encourage economic growth and prosperity in the North Tulsa neighborhood.

View the vote here

View the proposal here

Learn more about Envision Comanche here

Learn more about Path to Home here

Arts Commission Ordinance Revision Vote

The City Council voted to approve an ordinance regarding the Arts Commission. The amendment will adjust the composition of the Arts Commission, modify the Independent Review Panel, and clean up provisions- such as removing references to pandemic programs and clarifying Council vote requirements.

View the discussion here

View the revision here